Canoe livery proposed for Tecumseh Community Center

Rental of space by a private company for a canoe livery business in the Tecumseh Community Center was discussed at Monday’s Tecumseh City Council meeting.

By a 6-1 vote, Tecumseh City Manager Kevin Welch was authorized to work out a rental agreement with Tecumseh Paddling Co., operated by Mark and Jennifer Johnson. Councilman Jack Baker was the lone “no” vote on the resolution.

The former Tecumseh residents are interested in moving back from West Virginia to operate the canoe livery, which was run by the city when the parks and recreation department was located at the community center. The Johnsons would like to rent 300 square feet of the building for the canoe and kayak livery. This would be in the lower, unimproved section of the building at 703 E. Chicago Blvd.

“The east end of the bottom floor of the community center is not suitable for much,” Welch said.

The company would purchase the city’s canoes and kayaks for $2,200, then offer rentals to the public. The city has four 14-foot aluminum canoes and five single or tandem kayaks. Tecumseh Paddling Co. would also like to purchase a paddle boat, 29 canoe paddles and oars and 44 personal flotation devices.

At the May 6 council meeting, Tecumseh attorney Chuck Gross discussed the Johnsons’ interest in opening a kayak and canoe business within the city. He said Johnson has worked as a river guide in West Virginia for 12 years, is experienced in the sport, and has researched liability issues with this type of business.

Tecumseh Paddling Co.’s plans call for using the Raisin River, Globe Mill Pond and Red Mill Pond for the business. The area, stretching from Clinton to just north of the city limits and from Standish Dam to Satterthwaite Park creates a loop. Mark Johnson would like to extend the business core north to Tate Park in Clinton and south to Sutton Road through 700 acres of Nature Conservancy property.

In a letter to the city, the Johnsons said they believe the River Raisin provides excellent recreational opportunities and Satterthwaite Park would be an excellent location due to its location and amenities.

“Not only is there room to expand on the river, there are other services we can offer as well, which could include guided trips for fishing, bird watching, photography or physically challenged individuals,” Johnson wrote. “We believe this can be a positive addition to the city, and are excited to be part of it.”

He also pointed out such a business fits into the parks and recreation department’s five-year plan by helping connect local communities with non-motorized pathways.

Any agreement would have to meet with approval of property owners along those waterways, Welch. While the city staff is not opposed to the plan, Welch said his only hesitation is consideration of residents along those waterways. Baker agreed.

“I think it is a good idea, but I share the city manager’s concerns about the impact on residents,” he said.

Council members Larry Van Alstine, Ron Wimple and Pat Housekeeper also had reservations. Van Alstine said he is concerned about residents along Red Mill Pond, who are paying for the dam. Wimple said he has only heard an objection from one resident and Housekeeper said she considers Red Mill Pond to be a public waterway.

The parks and recreation department moved to the new AJ Smith Recreation Center, 810 N. Evans St., in February. Welch said having it operate the livery at the community center would be difficult and not efficient. He will bring a proposed lease with Tecumseh Paddling Co. back for the council’s approval possibly by the June 3 meeting.

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